Oklahoma Football: Brent Venables to West Virginia?

With Mike Stoops confirming that he will rejoin the Oklahoma coaching staff as co-defensive coordinator, current Sooner defensive coordinator Brent Venables has reportedly been in contact with West Virginia about being co-defensive coordinator in Morgantown, according to the Tulsa World (via newsok.com).

Stoops' return to Norman has led to a defensive shakeup, as secondary coach Willie Martinez, who is being given the opportunity to find another job before Stoops is introduced, will no longer coach the Sooners.

Indeed, it's somewhat difficult to imagine Stoops and Venables sharing the defensive coordinator position. Both are leaders and deserve independence.

Leaving Norman for another position would probably be in Venables' best interest, as well. The Sooner defense has softened to a degree recently under his leadership, and a fresh start somewhere else could do him well. He has definite skill as a coach, but recent seasons don't effectively reflect that, as OU finished 55th and 53rd in total yards allowed per game the past two seasons, respectively.

It's by no means a definite at this point that Venables will not coach at OU in 2012, but there are indications he may depart Norman for an opportunity elsewhere.